6.2 hr
Overview
You are rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Umunhum, the Santa Clara Valley, and the Inner and Outer Coast Ranges on this long trek through the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's largest preserve. Beginning along the lower wooded slopes of Mount Umunhum, the trail climbs to a chaparral landscape up Mount El Sombroso. The remainder of the route undulates northwest over rugged hills and makes a long 3.9-mile descent to Lexington Reservoir. Choose a cool day to hike or ride this exposed fire road.<br><br>This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Guidebook. For details on all trails, trailheads and more <a href="https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=16685&cat=0&page=1&utm_source=BARTsite&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=BayAreaRidgeTrail"> buy the book</a> from Wilderness Press.
Trail Stats
19.3 km
805 m
898 m
236 m
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Photos
The Priest Rock Trail spends some time traveling under tall power lines.
The Priest Rock Trail spends some time traveling under tall power lines.
Looking north, San Jose and Mt. Diablo stand in the distance from the summit of Mt. El Sombroso (2,999 ft).
Looking north, San Jose and Mt. Diablo stand in the distance from the summit of Mt. El Sombroso (2,999 ft).
Look west over the Santa Cruz Mountains from near the summit of Mt. El Sombroso (2,999 ft) along the Woods Trail.
Look west over the Santa Cruz Mountains from near the summit of Mt. El Sombroso (2,999 ft) along the Woods Trail.
Mt. Umunhum (3,486 ft) can be seen from the summit of Mt. El Sombroso (2,999 ft).
Mt. Umunhum (3,486 ft) can be seen from the summit of Mt. El Sombroso (2,999 ft).
Priest Rock Trail starts off by climbing through the woods.
Priest Rock Trail starts off by climbing through the woods.
Capitancillos Ridge of the Quicksilver Park Hills makes for a great view from the Woods Trail.
Capitancillos Ridge of the Quicksilver Park Hills makes for a great view from the Woods Trail.
Steep hillsides covered in thick woods filter the afternoon sunlight on Woods Trail.
Steep hillsides covered in thick woods filter the afternoon sunlight on Woods Trail.
High on the Priest Rock Trail and Limekiln Trail, beautiful maroon blooms grow on weeds in early spring.
High on the Priest Rock Trail and Limekiln Trail, beautiful maroon blooms grow on weeds in early spring.
Expect gorgeous views as you climb through rugged terrain on the Woods Trail in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Expect gorgeous views as you climb through rugged terrain on the Woods Trail in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Mt. Umunhum shines in the late-afternoon sun from the Woods Trail.
Mt. Umunhum shines in the late-afternoon sun from the Woods Trail.
Mt. Umunhum stands prominently in the distance from high on the Woods Trail.
Mt. Umunhum stands prominently in the distance from high on the Woods Trail.
Climbing into the Santa Cruz Mountains on Priest Rock Trail, enjoy this view of Mt. Thayer, the highest point in the distance.
Climbing into the Santa Cruz Mountains on Priest Rock Trail, enjoy this view of Mt. Thayer, the highest point in the distance.
With a brush-covered ridge to the northeast, the Priest Rock Trail climbs in the distance to end at the Kennedy Trail.
With a brush-covered ridge to the northeast, the Priest Rock Trail climbs in the distance to end at the Kennedy Trail.
Santa Cruz Mountains with a glimpse of Lexington Reservoir, seen looking southwest from high on Kennedy Trail
Santa Cruz Mountains with a glimpse of Lexington Reservoir, seen looking southwest from high on Kennedy Trail
Enjoy phenomenal views looking east from high on the Woods Trail. Quicksilver Hills stand on the left in the distance; East Bay Hills in the far distance (left); and the east shoulder of Mt. Umunhum stands on the right.
Enjoy phenomenal views looking east from high on the Woods Trail. Quicksilver Hills stand on the left in the distance; East Bay Hills in the far distance (left); and the east shoulder of Mt. Umunhum stands on the right.
Looking down at the Lexington Reservoir from the Priest Rock Trail.
Looking down at the Lexington Reservoir from the Priest Rock Trail.
Hills and the Santa Cruz Mountains stand on the far side of Lexington Reservoir in the distance. The Priest Rock Trail meanders along a ridge-top on the left. This is looking west from near the top of the Priest Rock Trail.
Hills and the Santa Cruz Mountains stand on the far side of Lexington Reservoir in the distance. The Priest Rock Trail meanders along a ridge-top on the left. This is looking west from near the top of the Priest Rock Trail.
This is the northwest shoulder of Mt. Thayer, with the ridges of the Santa Cruz Mountains behind it. This is looking southeast from Priest Rock Trail.
This is the northwest shoulder of Mt. Thayer, with the ridges of the Santa Cruz Mountains behind it. This is looking southeast from Priest Rock Trail.
A creek along the Woods Trail cascades vigorously after winter rains.
A creek along the Woods Trail cascades vigorously after winter rains.
A waterfall cascades down mossy rocks along the Woods Trail after winter rains.
A waterfall cascades down mossy rocks along the Woods Trail after winter rains.
Enjoy the first views of Mt. Umunhum right near the Woods Trail trailhead.
Enjoy the first views of Mt. Umunhum right near the Woods Trail trailhead.
Quicksilver Park hills of Capitancillos Ridge, South San Jose, and the East Bay Hills in the distance, as seen looking northeast from high on Kennedy Trail
Quicksilver Park hills of Capitancillos Ridge, South San Jose, and the East Bay Hills in the distance, as seen looking northeast from high on Kennedy Trail
Moss-covered trees are abundant in the woods along the Woods Trail. Coastal fog keeps everything moist.
Moss-covered trees are abundant in the woods along the Woods Trail. Coastal fog keeps everything moist.
Enjoy stunning views from the Priest Rock / Kennedy Trail intersection.
Enjoy stunning views from the Priest Rock / Kennedy Trail intersection.
Mt. Umunhum in the distance on the left, Mt. Thayer closer, on the right, as Kennedy Trail approaches its final climb to end near Mt. El Sombroso in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Mt. Umunhum in the distance on the left, Mt. Thayer closer, on the right, as Kennedy Trail approaches its final climb to end near Mt. El Sombroso in the Santa Cruz Mountains